Team Teddy of Wisconsin raises money each year to provide plush animal building experiences to children suffering from a variety of ailments in hospitals throughout the state.

The dream and idea were put into action by Pulaski middle school teacher Kelly Logue in 2015. The student-run nonprofit organization has more than 150 middle school and high school students participating, and it continues to grow.

While Team Teddy receives some donations, much of the money raised comes through fundraising, and the biggest fundraiser is its kickball tournament.

The fourth annual tournament will take place Sept. 29 at Wouters Front in Suamico.

Of the sports it could have picked for a tournament, kickball felt like the perfect choice. Team Teddy liked how it’s a team-oriented activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, whether they are playing or watching.

“The tournament has grown so much over the years,” said Pulaski sophomore Emma Trewartha, the PR representative for Team Teddy of Wisconsin. “We share the information about the tournament a lot better and we try to get the word out a lot more. Which means that we have a lot more people attending the tournament.”

Last year’s event raised $10,000, but Team Teddy has even bigger plans this time around.

“Ambitiously, we’ve set a goal to raise $15,000 this year,” said Pulaski junior Jack Walker, who is a co-founder of Team Teddy of Wisconsin with classmate Macy Agen. “It’s definitely a daunting figure, but we have no doubt in the community and appreciate their continuous support of our mission.”

Walker said all team spots are filled for this year, but he encourages people to come out and watch. Team Teddy had more than 70 silent auctions and raffle prizes in 2017, and Walker is projecting the number to be topped in 2018.

There are 500 raffle tickets being sold for $10 each, with the first prize $250.

“There is no shortage of things to do, even if you’re not directly participating in the tournament itself,” said Walker, who serves as student president of Team Teddy.

All money raised at the tournament, and throughout the year, is used for purchasing plush animals for the trips to hospitals. Team Teddy of Wisconsin works with Child Life Therapists at the four children hospitals in the state.

The students put in a lot of hours to raise money for their causes. Last month, they held car washes in Pulaski and Oconto. Team Teddy also tweeted a photo at the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee, where they delivered 22 gift baskets and 30 stuffed animals.

They hold other fundraisers during the school year, such as “Box Out Breast Cancer.” The group hosted one in January during a basketball game to help a Pulaski teacher battling the disease.

Their good work never stops. It’s exactly why the organization was created.

“Personally, I think it’s great to be a part of something bigger than me,” Walker said. “I can’t explain the satisfaction in helping others, having a great time doing it and including the community at the same time. With that, we encourage everyone to experience that feeling and stop in to visit us.”